LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthony-m-anthony-m-mccrovitz-phd/
Quality of Life Institute: www.qualityoflifeinstitute.org
About Dr. Tony:
Anthony (Tony) M. McCrovitz, Ph.D., LMHC, HSPP, BCPC, IMH-E® (II), DAPA
is a Licensed, Clinical Psychologist and Mental Health Counselor, specializing in child development and holistic, bio-psychosocial approaches. A Gentle Teaching philosophy and relationship-building framework is central to his work, writing, and research that demonstrates and teaches how to create a Culture of Gentleness environment, by cultivating meaningful connections and integrating quality-of-life values for social-emotional awareness and growth.
A Quality-of-Life Model™ of services and programs are offered to agencies, groups, and other organizations who provide direct services for Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. He is a dedicated advocate for the most marginalized community members, focusing on breaking down cultural and community barriers.
Dr. McCrovitz is executive director of Quality of Life Institute, Inc., a non-profit organization committed to research and the development of therapeutic tools, training materials, and programs that add meaning and value for quality-of-life enrichment. He develops and facilitates services and programs at The Institute, such as Navigating the Heart for crisis intervention, ExerCube for holistic fitness, EEG neurofeedback and red light therapy for improving brain function, and The Clubhouse, an international, peer-focused community for mental health and wellness that offers employment programs, skills development, education, and therapeutic/counseling/mentoring services.
He has held adjunct faculty positions at local colleges and universities, teaching developmental psychology and lifespan coursework to undergraduate and graduate students.
He is committed to the promoting and study of knowledge and the sharing of resource materials with other professionals and international organizations, and participates in speaking presentations, training, research, and collaborative development of quality of life approaches, supports, and sustainable solutions.
In addition to training and workshops that focus on advancing professional competence and practical applications of a relationship-building framework (Gentle Teaching), he is a licensed facilitator and instructor for therapeutic environments (including multi-sensory, sand tray, and ExerCube). Training topics include connecting neuroscience and sensory integration to facilitate learning and mentoring processes that cultivate sustainable solutions with quality-of-life outcomes.
He has been an active member of the Gentle Teaching International community since 2009, serves as president of the Institute of Multi-Sensory Environments (I-MSE.org), and is a board member of the International Snoezelen-MSE Association (ISNA-MSE.org).
Tony holds a Ph.D. in I/O Psychology from Walden University, a respecialization in Clinical Psychology from Adler Professional School of Psychology, an MBA from Indiana Wesleyan University, and a master's degree in pastoral counseling from Loyola University of Chicago.
Dr. McCrovitz publishes materials on topics related to Gentle Teaching, Quality of Life Model, multi-sensory environments (MSE), and neuro-science as it relates to mental health and well-being, social-emotional learning through a lens of quality-of-life values, and mentoring processes for therapeutic frameworks. MSE 03, Creating Meaningful Moments was published in 2024. Other books he has authored include Anthony's Backpack: A Child's Journey into Gentleness (2010) and Return to Gentleness: Journeying with Gentle Teaching (2021).
Key Takeaways
- Quality of life is nurtured through genuine human connection and compassion.
- Neuroscience tools like EEG neurofeedback can deepen our understanding of behavior and emotion.
- A "culture of gentleness" shifts focus from correction to connection.
- Early experiences and family values can shape lifelong approaches to healing and growth.
- Collaboration and sharing knowledge are essential for evolving mental health care.
- Measuring brain activity in real time offers insights into trust, learning, and emotional regulation.
- Bridging the gap between behavioral modification and brain science opens new avenues for therapy and education.
Episode Chapters
- 00:02 – Welcome & Guest Introduction
- 01:37 – Meet Dr. Tony: Background and Mission
- 02:14 – The Genesis of Quality of Life and the Culture of Gentleness
- 04:38 – Childhood Memories and Lessons in Empathy
- 07:44 – Personal Stories: Teaching, Trust, and the Power of Connection
- 10:55 – Balancing Curiosity and Innovation in Mental Health
- 14:02 – Real-Time Brain Mapping: Tools for Understanding Trust
- 17:25 – The Evolving Role of Neuroscience in Education and Therapy
- 19:31 – From Behavioral Modification to Brain Science: A New Frontier
- 22:28 – Simple Strategies for Complex Brain Functions
- 29:32 – Leveraging EEG Data to Enhance Quality of Life
- 32:49 – How Simplicity and Innovation Drive Engagement
- 36:51 – Addressing Challenges in Mental Health and Neurotherapeutics
- 43:57 – Privacy, Data, and the Ethics of Brain Measurement
- 47:51 – Unlocking Human Potential: Self-Actualization Through Connection
- 52:17 – Final Thoughts: Collaboration, Community, and Hope
- 55:08 – Closing Remarks & How to Connect with Dr. Tony
